[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won is making a comeback to run in the Seoul mayoral by-election after 10 years. She has put forward key pledges including operating vaccine shuttle services across Seoul, implementing a Seoul-style basic income system, and easing regulations on reconstruction and redevelopment. With Na, who is considered one of the 'big three' opposition figures alongside Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, and former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, declaring her candidacy, competition over the unified opposition candidate is expected to intensify.
On the morning of the 13th, at Yongsan Mukja Alley in Seoul, Na declared her candidacy for the April Seoul mayoral by-election, saying, "How can someone who has ultimately helped this administration at every important political turning point represent the opposition?" This was a remark aimed at Ahn, who has been calling for a 'unified opposition candidate.' In her candidacy statement, Na mentioned allegations of sexual harassment against former Mayor Park, emphasizing the need for unification behind a female candidate by saying, "Only a candidate with a strong determination to permanently eradicate sexual violence and the sensitivity to understand women's feelings can guarantee victory in this election."
Na’s pledges include ▲operating vaccine shuttle buses throughout Seoul ▲introducing a Seoul-style basic income system ▲establishing a 6 trillion won 'Emergency Livelihood Rescue Fund' ▲and mass special recruitment of COVID-19 unemployed workers. She previously ran as the Hannara Party candidate in the 2011 Seoul mayoral by-election but was defeated by independent candidate Park Won-soon.
Meanwhile, Park Young-sun, Minister of SMEs and Startups, who is considered Na’s rival from the ruling party, appeared on BBS Radio’s ‘Park Kyung-soo’s Morning Journal’ and said, "I will decide (whether to run) by the end of January." Recently, both Na and Minister Park appeared on the same cable news program, sparking speculation that their announcements to run for Seoul mayor might be imminent.
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